Clothing article

ABSTRACT

A clothing article that at least partially covers at least one selected from among (i) a lower limb and (ii) an upper limb, including: a plurality of heat-retaining parts having a higher heat-retaining property than other parts of the clothing article, the plurality of heat-retaining parts including at least one of the following groups: (i) a knee part, a heel part, and a digital part for a lower limb; and (ii) a wrist part, an elbow part, and a digital part for an upper limb, a heat release part being provided to (i) at least one digital part, among the digital part for the lower limb and the digital part for the upper limb, which at least one digital part is included in the clothing article or (ii) a part adjacent to the at least one digital part, the heat release part having greater breathability than other parts of the clothing article.

This Nonprovisional application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 on Patent Application No. 2019-029829 filed in Japan on Feb. 21, 2019 and Patent Application No. 2020-009361 filed in Japan on Jan. 23, 2020, the entire contents of both which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a clothing article that at least partially covers an upper limb or a lower limb. The present disclosure relates particularly to a clothing article for promoting good sleep that is worn at bedtime.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent times, a greater focus on health has been accompanied by increasing importance placed on sleep. Sleep is said to relieve both mental and physical fatigue and to improve immune function. Sleep plays an important role in maintaining health. As such, there is a demand for clothing which promotes good sleep.

In order to reach a state of so-called deep sleep, firstly, it is important to fall asleep quickly. In order to fall asleep quickly, it is necessary to (i) ameliorate inhibiting factors such as coldness as quickly as possible, (ii) allow the autonomic nervous system to switch from the sympathetic nervous system to the parasympathetic nervous system, and (iii) quickly put the body in a relaxed state.

As the human body nears a state of sleep, in order to decrease deep body temperature, the blood vessels of arteriovenous anastomoses (AVAs) dilate such that blood flow is promoted. The blood vessels of AVAs connect arteries to veins and exist only in the hands, feet, and face. Once the blood vessels of AVAs dilate, there is a large flow of arterial blood, a rise in skin temperature, and a sudden increase in the amount of heat dissipated from peripheral body parts. This causes a sudden decrease in deep body temperature. As a result, sleep commences.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

[Patent Literature 1]

Japanese Patent No. 5524587

[Patent Literature 2]

Japanese Patent Application Publication Tokukai No. 2005-68588

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

The tips of fingers and toes are prone to reduced blood flow when the blood vessels of AVAs are constricted. Dilation of the blood vessels of AVAs in the above manner results in warming of the tips of fingers and toes. This commences the release of heat. However, if the release of heat from the digits of the hands and feet is impeded, deep body temperature will not decrease, and eventually excessive warmth will cause a feeling of discomfort. As such, if the excessive heat is not released from a digital part or from areas in proximity thereto, one will wake up from sleep due to discomfort. Note that in the present disclosure, the fingers and toes may both be referred to as “digits”, and a part of a clothing article that corresponds to the digits may be referred to as a “digital part”.

For this reason, in order to promote good sleep, it is important to (i) warm up body parts which have relatively little subcutaneous fat and muscle and are therefore prone to coldness, so as to ameliorate coldness and facilitate quick falling asleep, and (ii) at the same time, promote the release of heat from the digital part or from areas in proximity thereto.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a clothing article to be worn at bedtime. The clothing article is legwear that promotes venous circulation so as to prevent or reduce swelling of the legs. The legwear also omits a digital part so as to prevent excessive entrapment of heat and moisture at the digits. The legwear is consists of a leg part extending from the heel to a position above the knee.

Patent Literature 2 discloses another clothing article to be worn at bedtime. The clothing article is a sock that has (i) a plurality of pieces of fabric cut and stitched together to conform to the shape of the foot and (ii) an opening in the toe area. This gives the sock good hold at the heel, a favorable heat-retaining property at a foot part, and improved breathability.

The legwear of Patent Literature 1 is directed to the problem of preventing leg swelling. Because the legwear is open at the digital part, the legwear fails to achieve warming of the digits and is unable to quickly ameliorate coldness so as to promote quick falling asleep.

The sock of Patent Literature 2 has a crew length such that an upper end of the sock is positioned between the calf and the ankle. However, in cases where the toes are cold but only the foot and nearby areas are warmed, cold blood will circulate. This is insufficient for quickly ameliorating coldness.

Furthermore, in Patent Literature 2, in order to improve a heat-retaining property at the foot part, the fabric used is produced with fibers having a heat-generating property.

However, using a heat-generating fiber throughout the entire sock without consideration of the degree of the heat-generating property could result in excessive heat retention. As such, there is the risk that comfortable sleep may not be possible.

An aspect of the present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a clothing article that (i) ameliorates coldness by warming (a) peripheral body parts that are difficult to warm and (b) body parts that have relatively little subcutaneous fat and muscle, and (ii) has an opening at a digital part or at a part adjacent to the digital part so as enable the release of heat.

Solution to Problem

In order to solve the above problems, a clothing article in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure is a clothing article that at least partially covers at least one selected from among (i) a lower limb and (ii) an upper limb, including: a plurality of heat-retaining parts having a higher heat-retaining property than other parts of the clothing article, the plurality of heat-retaining parts including at least one of the following groups: (i) a knee part, a heel part, and a digital part for a lower limb; and (ii) a wrist part, an elbow part, and a digital part for an upper limb, a heat release part being provided to (i) at least one digital part, among the digital part for the lower limb and the digital part for the upper limb, which at least one digital part is included in the clothing article or (ii) a part adjacent to the at least one digital part, the heat release part having greater breathability than other parts of the clothing article.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

An aspect of the present disclosure makes it possible to provide a clothing article that (i) ameliorates coldness by warming (a) peripheral body parts that are difficult to warm and (b) body parts that have relatively little subcutaneous fat and muscle, and (ii) enables the release of heat from a digital part or areas in proximity thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an external appearance of a sock in accordance with Embodiment 1.

FIG. 2 is a development view of the knitted fabric of the sock illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an external appearance of a sock in accordance with Embodiment 2.

FIG. 4 consists of perspective views of main parts of the sock illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a development view of the knitted fabric of the sock illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an external appearance of a sock in accordance with a variation of Embodiment 2.

FIG. 7 illustrates external appearances of an arm cover in accordance with Embodiment 3.

FIG. 8 is a development view of the knitted fabric of the arm cover illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates external appearances of main parts of an arm cover in accordance with Embodiment 4.

FIG. 10 is a development view of the knitted fabric of the arm cover illustrated in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 illustrates external appearances of main parts of an arm cover in accordance with Variation 1 of Embodiment 4.

FIG. 12 is a development view of the knitted fabric of the arm cover illustrated in FIG. 11.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1

The following description will discuss an embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. The descriptions below involve an example case in which the clothing article in accordance with the present embodiment is a sock (legwear).

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an external appearance of a sock 10 in accordance with the present embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the sock 10 has a thigh-high length so as to extend from digits of a lower limb to a part of the thigh. The “part of the thigh” refers specifically to an upper half of the thigh (that is, an upper half of the body part between the pelvis and the knee). The sock 10 has an above-knee part 1, a knee part 2, a shin part 3, a heel part 4, a foot part 5, and a digital part 6. The foot part 5 includes a heat release part 51, which has greater breathability than other parts.

The above-knee part 1 includes an insertion opening part 11 which has an insertion opening 12 through which the lower limb is inserted into the sock 10. The insertion opening 12 is provided at the upper end of the sock 10.

The digital part 6 is provided at a lower end of the sock 10. The digital part 6 is formed in bag-like manner so as to wrap around digits of the foot in their entirety. The heat release part 51 is provided at portion of the foot part 5 which is adjacent to the digital part 6. The heat release part 51 is, for example, preferably a mesh part which is in the form of mesh. In a case where the heat release part 51 is knitted, the heat release part 51 is preferably knitted with e.g. a moss stitch (mesh stitch). Knitting the heat release part 51 with e.g. a moss stitch such that the heat release part 51 is in the form of mesh makes it possible to (i) improve breathability and (ii) effectively release heat in the digital part 6 and areas in proximity thereto via the heat release part 51 to the outside. Note, however, that the heat release part 51 may have any configuration as long as it has improved breathability as compared to other parts. In the present embodiment, a moss stitch was used for the heat release part 51, but it is also possible to increase the breathability of the heat release part 51 by e.g. increasing the stitch size or using a thinner knitting thread. A mesh material may be sewn to the portion of the foot part 5 which is adjacent to the digital part 6. The heat release part 51 preferably includes a foot dorsal portion and a plantar portion and is preferably in the form of a loop (a ring). Illustrated in FIG. 1 is an example in which the heat release part 51 is in the form of a loop, so as to form a looped portion of the foot part 5 along the digital part 6. Configuring the heat release part 51 in this manner makes it possible to release heat effectively. The area of the heat release part 51 is not particularly limited as long as the heat release part 51 is within the region of the foot part 5. However, a larger area of the heat release part 51 correlates to an increased heat release effect but also an increased likelihood of coldness occurring. As such, the heat release part 51 is preferably provided to a region occupying ⅓ to ½ of the foot part 5 on a digital part 6 side.

The foot part 5 and the digital part 6 have respective lengths such that the digital part 6 covers the digits when the sock 10 is worn and the heel is placed in the heel part 4. As such, the digital part 6 covers both upper and lower surfaces at the third joints of the foot (that is, the third joints of the digits).

In the present disclosure, the phrase “third joints of the foot (digits)” refers to the metatarsophalangeal (MP) joints, each of which is a joint connecting (i) a distal end of a metatarsal bone to (ii) a proximal end of a proximal phalanx. The “upper surface” at the third joint refers to the surface of the skin on a dorsal side of the third joint, and the “lower surface” refers to the surface of the skin on a plantar side of the third joint.

The knee part 2, the heel part 4, and the digital part 6 are each heat-retaining parts having a higher heat-retaining property than other parts. Thus, the sock 10 has a plurality of heat-retaining parts having a higher heat-retaining property than other parts.

In order to fall asleep quickly, it is necessary to ameliorate inhibiting factors such as coldness as quickly as possible. Coldness is felt the most at the digits and thus it is important to warm the digits as quickly as possible.

However, in cases where, for example, the feet are cold at the tips thereof and only the toes are warmed by a part such as the digital part 6, cold blood will circulate. This is insufficient for quickly ameliorating coldness. In order to quickly ameliorate coldness, it is effective to warm not only the toes but, out of the parts of the body from the center of the body to the toes, particularly those parts which have relatively little subcutaneous fat and muscle and which are considered to be prone to coldness (specifically, the knees and heels). Doing so makes it possible to maintain the warmth of blood as it is delivered from the center of the body to the toes. Covering a greater area of the leg increases the feeling of warmth. However, parts of the leg other than the knee, heel, and digits are less prone to coldness because such parts are covered with more subcutaneous fat and muscle than the knee, heel, and digits.

As such, for parts other than the knee, heel, and digits, it is not necessary to have a heat-retaining property as high as that for the knee, heel, and digits. Furthermore, if the sock 10 is configured to warm the entire lower limb with e.g. a configuration in which all parts contacting the lower limb have a high content of fibers having a high heat-generating property, then heat will be retained excessively. As such, in order to achieve comfortable sleep, it is important to warm the lower limb in a partial manner, so as not to retain heat excessively. Warming the lower limb in a partial manner refers specifically to warming only (i) peripheral body parts that are difficult to warm and (ii) parts that have relatively little subcutaneous fat and muscle. In other words, in order to achieve comfortable sleep, it is important to warm appropriate parts including the knee, the heel, and the digit to an appropriate degree.

In view of the above-described mechanisms of sleep, the sock 10 is configured to focus on warming (i) peripheral body parts that are difficult to warm and (ii) parts that have relatively little subcutaneous fat and muscle and are considered to be prone to coldness (in the lower limb, these parts being the knee, the heel, and the digits). With this configuration, the sock 10 ameliorates coldness and induces sleep quickly. Also, by releasing heat from areas at and in proximity to the digital part 6, the sock 10 makes it possible to promote good sleep.

Note that the knee part 2 preferably covers at least a region corresponding to the patella. Furthermore, the heel part 4 preferably covers an area at and in proximity to the end of the calcaneus on a side away from the digits. The heel part 4 more preferably further covers an area at and in proximity to the lower end of the Achilles tendon which is connected to the upper end of the calcaneus. This makes it possible to particularly reduce coldness. Note that in the present embodiment, the “above-knee part 1” refers to a part covering a region which is higher than the knee joint. The “shin part 3” refers to a part which covers a region between the knee joint and the ankle joint. The “foot part 5” refers to a part which covers a region lower than the ankle joint, excluding the heel part 4 and the digital part 6.

The fabric of the sock 10 may be knitted or woven. However, the fabric of the sock 10 preferably has an elasticity throughout the sock 10 at least to a degree that the fabric can follow movements normally occurring during sleep without causing stress to the wearer, so as to provide a proper fit while avoiding excessive constriction and avoiding impeding relaxation. As such, the sock 10 is preferably a knitted article, because the loops of knitting stitches help to provide suitable elasticity and fit.

The heat-retaining parts may be made from any material and may have any configuration, provided that they have a higher heat-retaining property than other parts. However, the heat-retaining parts are each preferably knitted with a knitting thread having a heat-retaining property. Examples of knitting threads having a heat-retaining property include: a knitting thread containing fibers that have a moisture-absorbing and heat-generating property; a knitting thread that has an insulating property; a knitting thread containing fibers that have a far-infrared heat-retaining property; and thread processed to provide a sensation of warmth. Examples of fibers having a moisture-absorbing and heat-generating property include acrylate-based fibers, wool, and rayon. Examples of knitting threads having an insulating property include hollow yarn and bulky yarn. Examples of knitting threads having a far-infrared heat-retaining property include knitting threads having fibers in which far-infrared ceramic is integrated. Examples of thread processed to provide a sensation of warmth include knitting threads whose fibers have capsaicin adhered thereto. In other words, the term “heat-retaining property” includes properties and structures that achieve any of generation of heat, insulation, or a sensation of warmth as described above. However, the heat-retaining property is not limited to this, and refers to any function of preventing coldness and maintaining warmth at covered parts.

Furthermore, for each of the heat-retaining parts (the knee part 2, heel part 4, and digital part 6), a sum of heat-retention values W of materials contained in the knitting thread with which that heat-retaining part is knitted preferably falls in a range of not less than 12.5 to not more than 50.0, and more preferably falls in a range of not less than 25.0 to not more than 50.0. The heat-retention value W is a value obtained by multiplying (i) official moisture regain of a material contained in a knitting thread with which a heat-retaining part is knitted by (ii) the content ratio of that material in the knitting thread, where a content ratio of 1.0 expresses that the material constitutes 100 weight % of the knitting thread.

In other words, the heat-retention value W indicates the heat-retaining performance of the material and is defined as follows: heat-retention value W=A×B, where A is the official moisture regain (%) of a material contained in a knitting thread with which a heat-retaining part is knitted, and B is the content ratio of that material in the knitting thread, where a content ratio of 1.0 expresses that the material constitutes 100% of the knitting thread.

In a case where the material is a moisture-absorbing and heat-generating fiber, A is the official moisture regain (%) of that moisture-absorbing and heat-generating fiber. In such a case, B is the content ratio of the moisture-absorbing and heat-generating fiber in the knitting thread, where a content ratio of 1.0 expresses that the moisture-absorbing and heat-generating fiber constitutes 100 weight % of the knitting thread.

The following description will discuss a specific example in which the knitting thread with which one of the heat-retaining parts is knitted is a blended yarn of acrylate-based fibers and polyester. In a case where (i) the official moisture regain of acrylate-based fibers (which are moisture-absorbing and heat-generating fibers) is 50% and (ii) the acrylate-based fiber content in the knitting thread is 50 weight % (a content ratio of 0.5), the heat-retention value W of the acrylate-based fiber in the heat-retaining part is 25. In a case where (i) the official moisture regain of the polyester is 0.4% and (ii) the polyester content in the knitting thread is 50 weight % (a content ratio of 0.5), the heat-retention value W of the polyester in the heat-retaining part is 0.2. As such, in this case, the sum of the heat-retention values W of each material contained in the knitting thread from which the heat-retaining part is knitted is 25+0.2=25.2.

If the heat-retaining part is knitted with a knitting thread for which the sum of heat-retention values W exceeds 50.0, there is a greater likelihood of excessive heat inhibiting good sleep. If the sock 10 included a heat-retaining part knitted with such a knitting thread and was worn for a long period, there would be an increased risk of damage (dryness or low-temperature burns) to the skin. As such, the sum of the heat-retention values W preferably falls within the above-described ranges.

Furthermore, for each part of the sock 10 other than the heat-retaining parts (that is, for the above-knee part 1, the shin part 3, and the foot part 5), the sum of the heat-retention values W of materials contained in the knitting thread with which that part is knitted is preferably less than 12.5, in order to avoid excessive retention of heat in the parts other than the heat-retaining parts.

The following description will discuss an example in which a blended yarn of rayon and silk is used as the knitting thread with which a part other than the heat-retaining parts is knitted. In a case where the official moisture regain of rayon is 11% and the rayon content in the knitting thread is 50% (a content ratio of 0.5), the heat-retention value W of rayon in the part is 5.5. In a case where the official moisture regain of silk is 11% and the silk content in the knitting thread is 50 weight % (a content ratio of 0.5), the heat-retention value W of silk in the part is 5.5. As such, in this case, the sum of the heat-retention values W of each material contained in the knitting thread from which the part is knitted is 5.5+5.5=11.0.

Table 1 shows heat-retention values W obtained with various combinations of (i) official moisture regains of materials to be contained in a knitting thread and (ii) content ratios of that material in the knitting thread.

Table 2 shows examples of specific material combinations in the heat-retaining parts and in parts other than the heat-retaining parts. Note, however, that the specific material combinations shown in Table 2 are merely non-limiting examples.

TABLE 2 Heat-retaining part Part other than heat-retaining part Official Sum Official Sum moisture Heat- of heat- moisture Heat- of heat- regain Content retention retention regain Content retention retention Material (%) ratio value W values W Material (%) ratio value W values W Ex- Acrylate- 30 0.7 21.0 21.6 Silk 11 0.5 5.5 11.0 ample 1 based fiber Rayon 11 0.5 5.5 Acrylic 2 0.3 0.6 Ex- Wool 15 1.0 15.0 15.0 Cotton 8.5 0.7 6.0 6.6 ample 2 Polyester 2 0.3 0.6 Ex- Wool 15 0.8 12.0 14.2 Acrylic 12 0.7 1.4 5.9 ample 3 Rayon 11 0.2 2.2 Wool 15 0.3 4.5

As described above, the knitting thread with which the heat-retaining parts are knitted is not particularly limited, provided that it is a knitting thread having a heat-retaining property. However, a knitting thread containing acrylate-based fibers that have a moisture-absorbing and heat-generating property may be suitably used in order to achieve efficient warming at the heat-retaining parts and to quickly ameliorate coldness. The count (thickness) of the knitting thread may be selected as appropriate mainly from typical suitable counts, in accordance with the number of needles and gauge in the knitting machine used.

An acrylate-based fiber having a moisture-absorbing and heat-generating property to be used in the present embodiment has an official moisture regain of preferably not less than 35% and more preferably not less than 50%, in order to achieve efficient warming at the heat-retaining parts. It is preferable that each of the plurality of heat-retaining parts is knitted with a knitting thread containing the acrylate-based fiber.

In order to prevent or reduce localized unevenness of heat-retaining performance and achieve uniform heat-retaining performance in the knitting thread, the acrylate-based fiber content in the knitting thread is preferably not less than 25%. Furthermore, each of the heat-retaining parts is preferably knitted with the same knitting thread, in order to reduce stressed caused by temperature differences and to maintain efficiency of production.

A higher content of a material in a knitting thread enables more uniform performance of that material. Conversely, a lower content of a material causes the performance of the material to become less uniform in the knitting thread, and may cause unevenness in the performance of the knitting thread. Setting the acrylate-based fiber content in the knitting thread to be not less than 25% allows the performance of the acrylate-based fiber to largely uniform and without unevenness. Acrylate-based fibers are known to have higher official moisture regain than other materials. Blending acrylate-based fibers with other materials makes it relatively easy to produce a mixed yarn in which the sum of heat-retention values W falls within the above-described numerical ranges.

Knitting the heat-retaining parts with a blended yarn that includes (i) acrylate-based fibers whose official moisture regain is 50% in an amount of e.g. 50 weight % and (ii) e.g. polyester for the remaining 50 weight % achieves a high moisture-absorbing and heat-generating property and therefore makes it possible to achieve efficient warming at the heat-retaining parts.

FIG. 2 is a development view of the knitted fabric of the sock 10 illustrated in FIG. 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the sock 10 is for example knitted, with use of a circular knitting machine, in the form of a tube-like shape extending continuously from the insertion opening 12 to the digital part 6 (the end of the digital part).

The knitted structure of the above-knee part 1 is, for example, Zokki knitted with rubber incorporated therein. The term “Zokki knitting” refers to a method of knitting with use of one kind of yarn. The knitted structures of the shin part 3 and the foot part 5 (excluding the heat release part 51) are, for example, plain stitched. The knitted structure of the heat release part 51 is, for example, moss stitched (mesh stitched). The knee part 2 is structured to form gore lines in a V shape. The heel part 4 has an extended heel structure. The digital part 6 is structured to form gore lines in a V shape, so as to wrap around the digits.

Furthermore, the knee part 2, the heel part 4, and the digital part 6 (which are the heat-retaining parts) are provided with knitted fabric increase regions (ordinarily used for heel part knitting) with use of reciprocating rotation of the knitting machine. This is done so that the knee part 2, the heel part 4, and the digital part 6 reliably cover the rounded surfaces of the knee, the heel, and the digits, respectively, and are able to follow movements during sleep. In this way, the heat-retaining parts were knitted so as to have a three-dimensional structure. Each of the knitted fabric increase regions is provided forming gore lines GL in a V shape. The digital part 6 is provided by forming gore lines GL of different lengths in a V shape, in order to wrap around the digits. Note however that the present embodiment is not limited to these examples. Each of the heat-retaining parts may have gore lines GL in a Y shape or a multi-branched shape. Alternatively, each of the heat-retaining parts may have a gore line GL which is straight and long.

Furthermore, it is possible to insert yarn having a high heat-retaining property only into portions corresponding to the knee part 2, the heel part 4, and the digital part 6, without using reciprocating rotation of the knitting machine.

Out of the three heat-retaining parts, the digital part 6 covers the body part which is furthest from the heart and most prone to decreased blood flow, and is thus prone to feeling coldness. As such, the digital part 6 preferably has a higher heat-retaining property than the other heat-retaining parts. It is therefore preferable to design the digital part 6 to have fabric that is thicker than the other heat-retaining parts, by e.g. increasing the number of knitting threads. In order to increase the heat-retaining property, the digital part 6 may have a pile structure in which the stitch has a looped bulky structure.

The circular knitting machine preferably has a cylinder diameter which is larger than a cylinder diameter typically used in a circular knitting machine when knitting socks (typically used diameter: 3.75 inches to 4.0 inches). The cylinder diameter of the circular knitting machine contributes to the diameter of the finished knitted tube. Setting the cylinder diameter of the circular knitting machine to be greater than 4.0 inches provides the sock 10 with a gentle hold and stretchability. In the present embodiment, the circular knitting machine used had a cylinder diameter of 5.0 inches. This made it possible to obtain a sock 10 having a loose-fitting fabric that does not impede relaxation. As a result, it was possible to achieve a sock 10 that is comfortable when worn and which does not inhibit sleep.

However, the sock 10 need only avoid having constrictive force of a level that impedes sleep. As such, for example, the sock 10 may be knitted with use of a circular knitting machine having a cylinder diameter of 3.75 inches. Methods of adjusting the degree of constriction in a case where a typical cylinder is used in this manner include (i) using an elastic yarn having low elasticity as a back yarn and (ii) reducing the amount of elastic yarn inserted.

For a face yarn, it is important that the material thereof have a natural feel. Preferable examples of the material for the face yarn include natural fibers such as cotton and silk. However, the material of the face yarn is not particularly limited, provided that it provides a feel that does not impede sleep. For example, importance may be placed on a softer texture, and a blended yarn of cotton and modal or a blended yarn of rayon and silk may be used.

The material of the back yarn is not particularly limited. For example, a filament twisted yarn (FTY) may be used as the back yarn.

In the present embodiment, the knitting thread of the heat-retaining parts was a 30 count single spun yarn which was a blend of acrylate-based fibers (50 weight %) and polyester (50 weight %). The back yarn of the heat-retaining parts was 30/150 FTY. For parts other than the heat-retaining parts, the knitting thread was a 10 count single spun yarn made of cotton (100 weight %), and the back yarn was 30/75 FTY. The term “30/150 FTY” refers to FTY in which a 30 denier elastic yarn is covered with 150 denier polyester. The term “30/75 FTY” refers to FTY in which a 30 denier elastic yarn is covered with 75 denier polyester.

The sock 10 of the present embodiment is made with a cylinder whose diameter is 5.0 inches and therefore has a gentle fit. A knitting machine having 84 needles was used in accordance with the count of the face yarn, but the number of needles may be selected as appropriate. For example, in a case where a 30 count single yarn is used as the face yarn, a knitting machine having 208 needles may be used.

The above-knee part 1 which covers the thigh preferably has a particularly loose structure. In particular, the insertion opening part 11 of the above-knee part 1 is preferably configured to cause as little constriction-induced stress as possible, so as not to impede relaxation. Furthermore, a portion of the sock 10 which is higher than the upper end of the knee part 2 (specifically, a portion extending from the upper end of the knee part 2 to the insertion opening 12) preferably has a constrictive force which is weaker than that of the shin part 3.

For this reason, the insertion opening part 11 is, for example, preferably knitted with use of moss stitching. However, the insertion opening part 11 may be knitted via another method, provided that the constrictive force of the insertion opening part 11 is gentle. For example, the insertion opening part 11 may be knitted with use of sinker-borne knitting (placing all the yarns on the pile nail of the sinker and creating a large stitch).

Variation

In the present embodiment, the sock 10 has a thigh-high length so as to cover the thigh, as described above. However, the length need only be sufficient to cover the entirety of the knee. The sock 10 may have a knee-high length so as to cover a region extending from the digits to a position above the knee. However, covering a larger area of the lower limb (leg) makes it easier to provide a feeling of warmth. As such, designing the sock 10 to have a thigh-high length makes it easier to achieve an effect of quickly ameliorating coldness.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the foot part 5 includes the heat release part 51 which is adjacent to the digital part 6. Note, however, that the present embodiment is not limited to this example. For example, the digital part 6 may include a heat release part which is adjacent to the foot part 5.

Furthermore, although not illustrated, the sock 10 may include a structure that presses or stimulates an acupuncture point effective for ameliorating coldness.

For example, pressing or stimulating the sanyinjiao point, which is above the ankle on the inner side of the leg, is said to be effective in ameliorating coldness. Pressing or the stimulation of the sanyinjiao point during wearing of the sock 10 makes it possible to reduce coldness effectively.

As such, as a structure for pressing or stimulating the sanyinjiao point, the sock 10 may include, for example, a pile knitted portion which (i) is at a position corresponding to the sanyinjiao point when the sock is worn (a position directly upward from the top of the ankle on the inner side of the leg, at a distance equivalent to the width of four fingers), (ii) utilizes a heat-retaining material that has a heat-retaining effect, and (iii) has a circular shape measuring approximately 4 cm in diameter. This makes it possible to apply heat stimulation to the sanyinjiao point and bring about a coldness-ameliorating effect when the sock 10 is worn. Furthermore, it is preferable to tighten the fit of a portion of the shin part 3 which portion surrounds the pile knitted portion, to a degree that avoids causing a feeling of constriction at the shin part 3. This is because such a fit makes it possible to maintain the position of the pile knitted portion at the sanyinjiao point. The pile knitted portion may have any shape. Examples of the heat-retaining material include, but are not limited to: moisture-absorbing and heat-generating materials such as wool and acrylate-based fiber; materials processed to give a sensation of warmth, such as materials utilizing capsaicin.

Embodiment 2

The following description will discuss another embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. For convenience, any member having the same function as a member described in Embodiment 1 will be assigned the same reference number, and explanation thereof will be omitted. It should be understood that variations similar to those of Embodiment 1 are also possible for the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an external appearance of a sock in accordance with the present embodiment.

The heat release part may be an opening via which the digits can be exposed. As such, the sock 10 may have heat release part in the form of an opening via which the digits can be exposed. Instead of being configured to include a mesh part as the heat release part 51 of the foot part 5, the sock 10 illustrated in FIG. 3 is configured such that the digital part 6 includes an opening-including part 61 which has a heat release part in the form of an exposure opening 62 via which the digits can be exposed. Aside from this difference, the sock 10 of the present embodiment is the same as the sock 10 of Embodiment 1.

In the present embodiment, providing the exposure opening 62 in the digital part 6 makes it possible to remove the sock 10 partially at the digital part 6. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the exposure opening 62 is provided on a dorsal side (upper surface side) of the digital part 6. Providing the exposure opening 62 on the dorsal side makes it easy to expose the digits (to remove that portion of the sock with the hands or with the foot/feet). Exposing the digits so as to partially protrude through the exposure opening 62 in this manner makes it possible to quickly release heat of the digits.

FIG. 4 consists of perspective views of main parts of the sock 10 illustrated in FIG. 3. The view indicated by number 1011 in FIG. 4 illustrates the sock 10 of FIG. 3 in a state where the exposure opening 62 is closed by overlapping and folding down portions of the opening-including part 61 that form edges of the exposure opening 62. The view indicated by number 1012 in FIG. 4 illustrates the sock 10 of FIG. 3 in a state where the digits are partially exposed by folding back a portion of the digital part 6 (a portion further to a digit side than is the exposure opening 62).

The digital part 6 preferably covers at least one of (i) an upper surface at the third joints of the foot and (ii) a lower surface at the third joints of the foot. The exposure opening 62 may have any size as long as it allows for at least partial exposure of the digits. However, the exposure opening 62 is preferably large enough that the digits can be passed through the exposure opening 62 when the digital part 6 is pulled down. “At least partial exposure of the digits” means specifically that at least a portion of the plurality of toes is exposed. In a case where the digital part 6 is pulled down so as to pass the digits through the exposure opening 62, it is not necessary that all five toes are completely exposed via the exposure opening 62. However, the size of the exposure opening 62 is preferably such that a portion (tips) of all five toes can pass through the exposure opening 62.

The digital part 6 has a length such that when the sock 10 is worn, the digital part 6 covers a region extending from the tip of the foot (that is, the tips of the digits) to at least the third joints of the foot (toes). In the present embodiment, the exposure opening 62 of the opening-including part 61 is preferably further to a tip side (digit side) than are the third joints of the foot (digits). In the present embodiment, when the sock 10 is worn, it is possible to cover at least the third joints of the foot (digits) when the portions of the opening-including part 61 that form the edges of the exposure opening 62 are overlapped and folded down, as illustrated in 1011 of FIG. 4. This allows for efficient exposure of the digits while still maintaining a minimum level of the heat-retaining property.

The exposure opening 62 preferably has a position and shape such that during an initial stage of wearing the sock 10 (that is, a time period from when the wearer is in bed until when the wearer intentionally exposes the digits), the digits will not be unintentionally exposed by e.g. slight friction with bedding.

FIG. 5 is a development view of the knitted fabric of the sock 10 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the sock 10 is for example knitted, with use of a circular knitting machine, in the form a tube-like shape extending continuously from the insertion opening 12 to the exposure opening 62 (i.e., to the end of the opening-including part 61).

The knitted structure of the above-knee part 1 is, for example, Zokki knitted with rubber incorporated therein. The knitted structures of the shin part 3 and the foot part 5 are, for example, plain stitched. The knitted structure of the opening-including part 61 is, for example, plain stitched with rubber incorporated therein. The knee part 2 is structured to form gore lines in a V shape. The heel part 4 has an extended heel structure. The portion of the digital part 6 excluding the opening-including part 61 is structured to form gore lines in a V shape, so as to wrap around the digits.

As in Embodiment 1, the knee part 2, the heel part 4, and the digital part 6 (which are the heat-retaining parts) are provided with knitted fabric increase regions (ordinarily used for heel part knitting) with use of reciprocating rotation of the knitting machine. This is done so that the knee part 2, the heel part 4, and the digital part 6 reliably cover the rounded surfaces of the knee, the heel, and the digits, respectively, and are able to follow movements during sleep. In this way, the heat-retaining parts were knitted so as to have a three-dimensional structure. Each of the knitted fabric increase regions is provided forming gore lines GL in a V shape. The digital part 6 is provided by forming gore lines GL of different lengths in a V shape, in order to wrap around the digits. Note however that, as with Embodiment 1, the present embodiment is not limited to these examples. Each of the heat-retaining parts may have gore lines GL in a Y shape or a multi-branched shape. Alternatively, each of the heat-retaining parts may have a gore line GL which is straight and long.

Furthermore, it is possible to insert yarn having a high heat-retaining property only into portions corresponding to the knee part 2, the heel part 4, and the digital part 6, without using reciprocating rotation of the knitting machine.

As with Embodiment 1, out of the three heat-retaining parts, the digital part 6 covers the body part which is furthest from the heart and most prone to decreased blood flow, and is thus prone to feeling coldness. As such, the digital part 6 preferably has a higher heat-retaining property than the other heat-retaining parts. Therefore, as with Embodiment 1, it is preferable to design the digital part 6 to have fabric that is thicker than the other heat-retaining parts, by e.g. increasing the number of knitting threads. In order to increase the heat-retaining property, the digital part 6 may have a pile structure in which the stitch has a looped bulky structure.

As in Embodiment 1, the circular knitting machine preferably has a cylinder diameter which is larger than a cylinder diameter typically used in a circular knitting machine when knitting socks (typically used diameter: 3.75 inches to 4.0 inches). The cylinder diameter of the circular knitting machine contributes to the diameter of the finished knitted tube. As with Embodiment 1, setting the cylinder diameter of the circular knitting machine to be greater than 4.0 inches provides the sock 10 with a gentle hold and stretchability. In the present embodiment, the circular knitting machine used had a cylinder diameter of 5.0 inches. This made it possible to obtain a sock 10 having a loose-fitting fabric that does not impede relaxation. As a result, it was possible to achieve a sock 10 that is comfortable when worn and which does not inhibit sleep.

However, the sock 10 need only avoid having a constrictive force of a level that impedes sleep. As such, for example, the sock 10 may be knitted with use of a circular knitting machine having a cylinder diameter of 3.75 inches. As described in Embodiment 1, methods of adjusting the degree of constriction in a case where a typical cylinder is used in this manner include (i) using an elastic yarn having low elasticity as a back yarn and (ii) reducing the amount of elastic yarn inserted.

As with Embodiment 1, for a face yarn, it is important that the material thereof have a natural feel. Preferable examples of the material for the face yarn include natural fibers such as cotton and silk. However, the material of the face yarn is not particularly limited, provided that it provides a feel that does not impede sleep. For example, importance may be placed on a softer texture, and a blended yarn of cotton and modal or a blended yarn of rayon and silk may be used.

As with Embodiment 1, the material of the back yarn is not particularly limited. For example, FTY may be used as the back yarn. However, in the present embodiment, in order to facilitate digit exposure at bedtime, used as the back yarn of the digital part 6 was yarn (wooly nylon) which had lower elasticity and a weaker constrictive force as compared to other regions. Note however that the present embodiment is not limited to this. The digital part 6 may use, as a back yarn, FTY which has a typical constrictive force.

As in Embodiment 1, in the present embodiment, the knitting thread of the heat-retaining parts was a 30 count single spun yarn which was a blend of acrylate-based fibers (50 weight %) and polyester (50 weight %). The back yarn of the heat-retaining parts other than the digital part 6 was 30/150 FTY. The back yarn of the heat-retaining part of the digital part 6 was wooly nylon, as described above. For parts other than the heat-retaining parts, the knitting thread was a 10 count single spun yarn made of cotton (100 weight %), and the back yarn was 30/75 FTY. The sock 10 of the present embodiment is made with a cylinder whose diameter is 5.0 inches and therefore has a gentle fit. A knitting machine having 84 needles was used in accordance with the count of the face yarn, but the number of needles may be selected as appropriate. For example, in a case where a 30 count single yarn is used as the face yarn, a knitting machine having 208 needles may be used.

As with Embodiment 1, the above-knee part 1 which covers the thigh preferably has a particularly loose structure. In particular, the insertion opening part 11 of the above-knee part 1 is preferably configured to cause as little constriction-induced stress as possible, so as not to impede relaxation. Furthermore, a portion of the sock 10 which is higher than the upper end of the knee part 2 (specifically, a portion extending from the upper end of the knee part 2 to the insertion opening 12) preferably has a constrictive force which is weaker than that of the shin part 3.

For this reason, the insertion opening part 11 is, for example, preferably knitted with use of moss stitching, as with Embodiment 1. However, the insertion opening part 11 may be knitted via another method, provided that the constrictive force of the insertion opening part 11 is gentle. For example, the insertion opening part 11 may be knitted with use of sinker-borne knitting.

Variation

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an external appearance of a sock 10 in accordance with a variation of the present embodiment.

Discussed in Embodiments 1 and 2 were examples in which the sock 10 was knitted. However, instead of being knitted, the sock 10 may be produced by sewing of fabric. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the heat-retaining parts (for example, the knee part 2, the heel part 4, and the digital part 6) and parts other than the heat-retaining parts may be knitted with the same knitting thread. In such a case, a configuration may be employed in which, for example, (i) in only the heat-retaining parts, a heat-retaining sheet 9 is affixed on a skin-facing side, or (ii) only the heat-retaining parts include a pouch section (not illustrated) in which a heat-retaining material is to be placed. The heat-retaining sheet 9 may be, for example, a woven sheet or nonwoven cloth made from fibers having the above-described heat-retaining property (for example, a property or structure that achieves generation of heat, insulation, or a sensation of warmth), such as fibers that have a moisture-absorbing and heat-generating property. The heat-retaining sheet 9 may be made from a non-fiber material, provided that the heat-retaining sheet 9 has a heat-retaining property. FIG. 6 illustrates an example case in which heat-retaining sheets 9 are affixed in the sock 10 of FIG. 3. It should be understood that it is also possible to, for example, affix the heat-retaining sheet 9 in the sock 10 of FIG. 1.

Discussed in Embodiments 1 and 2 were examples in which the legwear was in the form of a sock. Note, however, that the legwear is not limited to an article whose entirety is continuously knitted as described above. For example, the legwear may be a clothing article that warms only the knee, the heel, and the digits. In addition to the knee part 2, the heel part 4, and the digital part 6, the heat-retaining parts may include an ankle part that corresponds to the ankle.

Embodiment 3

The following description will discuss another embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIG. 7.

Discussed in Embodiments 1 and 2 were examples in which the clothing article of the present disclosure was legwear. Note, however, that the clothing article in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to legwear. As mentioned earlier, the blood vessels of AVAs also exist in the upper limbs (arms). As such, the clothing article may be armwear, or may be nightwear that covers the body and the limbs, including the upper and lower limbs.

In other words, the clothing article in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure at least partially covers at least one selected from (i) an upper limb and (ii) a lower limb. The clothing article has a plurality of heat-retaining parts which have a higher heat-retaining property than other parts. The plurality of heat-retaining parts include at least one of the following groups: (i) a knee part, a heel part, and a digital part for a lower limb; and (ii) a wrist part, an elbow part, and a digital part for an upper limb.

The following description will discuss an example case in which the clothing article of the present embodiment is an arm cover (armwear).

FIG. 7 illustrates external appearances of an arm cover 100 in accordance with the present embodiment. The view indicated by number 1021 in FIG. 7 illustrates an external appearance of the arm cover 100 of the present embodiment on an outer side of the arm. The view indicated by number 1022 in FIG. 7 illustrates an external appearance of the arm cover 100 of the present embodiment on an inner side of the arm.

The arm cover 100 illustrated in FIG. 7 is a long glove having a length so as to extend from the digits of the upper limb to a part of the upper arm. The “part of the upper arm” refers specifically to an upper half of the upper arm (that is, an upper half of the body part between the shoulder and the elbow). The arm cover 100 has an above-elbow part 101, an elbow part 102, a forearm part 103, a wrist part 104, a main hand part 105, and a digital part 106. The main hand part 105 includes a heat release part 151, which has greater breathability than other parts.

The above-elbow part 101 includes an insertion opening part 111 which has an insertion opening 112 through which the upper limb is inserted into the arm cover 100. The insertion opening 112 is provided at an upper end of the arm cover 100 (an end of the above-elbow part 101 which is on a side away from the elbow part 102).

The digital part 106 is provided at a lower end of the arm cover 100. The digital part 106 is formed in a bag-like manner so as to wrap around all digits of the hand except the thumb (that is, the four fingers excluding the thumb). The heat release part 151 is provided at portion of the main hand part 105 which is adjacent to the digital part 106. The heat release part 151 is, for example, preferably a mesh part which is in the form of mesh. In a case where the heat release part 151 is knitted, the heat release part 151 is preferably knitted with e.g. a moss stitch (mesh stitch). Knitting the heat release part 151 with e.g. a moss stitch such that the heat release part 151 is in the form of mesh makes it possible to (i) improve breathability and (ii) effectively release heat in the digital part 106 and areas in proximity thereto via the heat release part 151 to the outside. Note, however, that the heat release part 151 may have any configuration as long as it has improved breathability as compared to other parts. In the present embodiment, a moss stitch was used for the heat release part 151, but, as with the heat release part 51 of Embodiment 1, it is also possible to increase the breathability of the heat release part 151 by e.g. increasing the stitch size or using a thinner knitting thread. A mesh material may be sewn to the portion of the main hand part 105 which is adjacent to the digital part 106. The heat release part 151 preferably includes a hand dorsal portion and a palmar portion and is preferably in the form of a loop (a ring). Illustrated in FIG. 7 is an example in which the heat release part 151 is in the form of a loop, so as to form a looped portion of the main hand part 105 along the digital part 106. Configuring the heat release part 151 in this manner makes it possible to release heat effectively. The area of the heat release part 151 is not particularly limited as long as the heat release part 151 is within the region of the main hand part 105. However, a larger area of the heat release part 151 correlates to an increased heat release effect but also an increased likelihood of coldness occurring. As such, the heat release part 151 is preferably provided to a region occupying ⅓ to ½ of the main hand part 105 on a digital part 106 side.

The digital part 106 has a length such that when the arm cover 100 is worn, the digital part 106 covers a region extending from the tip of the hand (digits) to at least the third joints of the digits of the hand excluding the thumb (in other words, the third joints of the four fingers excluding the thumb). As such, the digital part 106 covers both upper and lower surfaces at the third joints of the hand (that is, the third joints of the digits) except for the thumb.

In the present disclosure, the phrase “third joints of the hand (digits)” refers to the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joints, each of which is a joint connecting (i) a distal end of a metacarpal bone to (ii) a proximal end of a proximal phalanx. The “upper surface” at the third joint refers to the surface of the skin on a dorsal side of the third joint, and the “lower surface” refers to the surface of the skin on a palmar side of the third joint.

The elbow part 102, the wrist part 104, and the digital part 106 are each heat-retaining parts having a higher heat-retaining property than other parts.

Note that the elbow part 102 preferably covers at least a part of a region corresponding to the olecranon. The wrist part 104 preferably covers at least a part of a region corresponding to carpal bones. “Carpal bones” refers collectively to the scaphoid bone, lunate bone, triquetrum bone, pisiform bone, trapezium bone, trapezoid bone, capitate bone, and hamate bone. This makes it possible to particularly reduce coldness.

Note that in the present embodiment, the “above-elbow part 101” refers to a part covering a region which is higher than the elbow joint. The “forearm part 103” refers to a part covering a region between the elbow joint and the wrist part 104. The “main hand part 105” refers to a part covering a region between the wrist part 104 and the digital part 106.

In the present embodiment, the fabric of the clothing article (in the present embodiment, the arm cover 100) may be knitted or woven. However, the fabric of the clothing article preferably has an elasticity throughout the clothing article at least to a degree that the fabric can follow movements normally occurring during sleep without causing stress to the wearer, so as to provide a proper fit while avoiding excessive constriction and avoiding impeding relaxation. As such, the arm cover 100 is preferably a knitted fabric, because the loops of knitting stitches help to provide suitable elasticity and fit.

In the present embodiment, the heat-retaining parts may be made from any material and may have any configuration, provided that they have a higher heat-retaining property than other parts. However, as with Embodiments 1 and 2, the heat-retaining parts are each preferably knitted with a knitting thread having a heat-retaining property. The material (knitting thread) may be similar or identical to the material (knitting thread) described in Embodiment 1.

Furthermore, for each of the heat-retaining parts (the elbow part 102, wrist part 104, and digital part 106), a sum of heat-retention values W of materials contained in the knitting thread with which that heat-retaining part is knitted preferably falls in a range of not less than 12.5 to not more than 50.0, and more preferably falls in a range of not less than 25.0 to not more than 50.0. Furthermore, for each part of the arm cover 100 other than the heat-retaining parts (that is, for the above-elbow part 101, the forearm part 103, and the main hand part 105), the sum of the heat-retention values W of materials contained in the knitting thread with which that part is knitted is preferably less than 12.5, in order to avoid excessive retention of heat in parts other than the heat-retaining parts. Examples of specific material combinations for the heat-retaining parts and for parts other than the heat-retaining parts are the same as the examples given in Embodiment 1.

FIG. 8 is a development view of the knitted fabric of the arm cover 100 illustrated in FIG. 7.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, as with the sock 10, the arm cover 100 is for example knitted, with use of a circular knitting machine, in the form of a tube-like shape extending continuously from the insertion opening 112 to the digital part 106 (the end of the digital part).

The present embodiment involves an example in which the above-elbow part 101, the elbow part 102, the forearm part 103, the wrist part 104, the main hand part 105 (excluding the heat release part 151), and the digital part 106 each have a plain stitched knitted structure. In this example, the knitted structure of the heat release part 151 employs a moss stitch (mesh stitch).

Furthermore, the elbow part 102, which is a knitted fabric increase region, is structured to have gore lines GL in a V shape. Note however that the present embodiment is not limited to these examples. Each of the heat-retaining parts may have gore lines GL in a Y shape or a multi-branched shape. Alternatively, each of the heat-retaining parts may have a gore line GL which is straight and long. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to insert yarn having a high heat-retaining property only into portions corresponding to the heat-retaining parts.

The wrist has relatively little subcutaneous fat and muscle. Furthermore, the dorsal side (outer side) of the wrist faces away from the body and is therefore more difficult to warm with body heat than is the palmar side (inner side), which faces away from the dorsal side. In other words, in comparison to the palmar side of the wrist, the dorsal side of the wrist is more prone to being affected by the outside air and more prone to coldness. As such, the wrist part 104 can have a heat-retaining part that is knitted so as to cover only the dorsal side, for example, by (i) using reciprocating rotation of the knitting machine to form a gore line as with the heel part 4, or (ii) using a cut-boss technique in which a different knitting thread is incorporated partway along the circumferential direction. However, the difference in proneness to coldness between the dorsal side (outer side) and the opposite side (inner side) of the wrist is not as pronounced as that between the heel and the opposite side of the foot or surrounding areas, due to e.g. the difference between (i) the thickness of the wrist (distance between the dorsal side and opposite side of the wrist) and (ii) the distance between the heel and the opposite side of the foot or surrounding areas. As such, in the case of the wrist, heat retention is unlikely to be excessive even if the heat-retaining part is in the form of a loop. In the case of the foot, AVAs exist in the sole and the toes, and it is particularly effective to warm the heel and the toes in addition to the knee. In the case of the hand, AVAs exist not on the dorsal side, but on the palmar side (inner side). Because veins and arteries exist just under the skin on the inner side of the wrist, warming the inner side of the wrist makes it possible to warm the blood that flows in when AVAs dilate and to quickly warm e.g. the fingertips. As such, in the present embodiment, for the purposes of efficiency of production and to avoid an increase in cost, the wrist part 104 is configured to be a heat-retaining part which (i) has a substantially straight tube-like shape without gore lines GL as with the forearm part 103 and the main hand part 105, and (ii) is in the form of a loop.

Out of the three heat-retaining parts, the digital part 106 covers the body part which is furthest from the heart and most prone to decreased blood flow, and is thus prone to feeling coldness. As such, the digital part 106 preferably has a higher heat-retaining property than the other heat-retaining parts. It is therefore preferable to design the digital part 106 to have fabric that is thicker than the other heat-retaining parts, by e.g. increasing the number of knitting threads. In order to increase the heat-retaining property, the digital part 106 may have a pile structure in which the stitch has a looped bulky structure.

The circular knitting machine preferably has a cylinder diameter which is larger than a cylinder diameter typically used in a circular knitting machine when knitting arm covers (typically used diameter: 3.75 inches to 4.0 inches). The cylinder diameter of the circular knitting machine contributes to the diameter of the finished knitted tube. Setting the cylinder diameter of the circular knitting machine to be greater than 4.0 inches provides the arm cover 100 with a gentle hold and stretchability. In the present embodiment, the circular knitting machine used had a cylinder diameter of 5.0 inches. This made it possible to obtain an arm cover 100 having a loose-fitting fabric that does not impede relaxation. As a result, it was possible to achieve an arm cover 100 that is comfortable when worn and which does not inhibit sleep.

However, the arm cover 100 need only avoid having a constrictive force of a level that impedes sleep. As such, for example, the arm cover 100 may be knitted with use of a circular knitting machine having a cylinder diameter of 3.75 inches. Methods of adjusting the degree of constriction in a case where a typical cylinder is used in this manner include (i) using an elastic yarn having low elasticity as a back yarn and (ii) reducing the amount of elastic yarn inserted.

As with the sock 10, in a case where the clothing article is the arm cover 100, for a face yarn, it is important that the material thereof have a natural feel. Preferable examples of the material for the face yarn include natural fibers such as cotton and silk. However, the material of the face yarn is not particularly limited, provided that it provides a feel that does not impede sleep. For example, importance may be placed on a softer texture, and a blended yarn of cotton and modal or a blended yarn of rayon and silk may be used.

The material of the back yarn is not particularly limited. For example, FTY may be used as the back yarn.

In the present embodiment, the knitting thread of the heat-retaining parts was a 30 count single spun yarn which was a blend of acrylate-based fibers (50 weight %) and polyester (50 weight %). The back yarn of the heat-retaining parts was 30/150 FTY. For parts other than the heat-retaining parts, the knitting thread was a 10 count single spun yarn made of cotton (100 weight %), and the back yarn was 30/75 FTY. The arm cover 100 of the present embodiment is made with a cylinder whose diameter is 5.0 inches and therefore has a gentle fit. A knitting machine having 84 needles was used in accordance with the count of the face yarn, but, as with the sock 10, the number of needles may be selected as appropriate. For example, in a case where a 30 count single yarn is used as the face yarn, a knitting machine having 208 needles may be used.

The above-elbow part 101 which covers the upper arm preferably has a particularly loose structure. In particular, the insertion opening part 111 of the above-elbow part 101 is preferably configured to cause as little constriction-induced stress as possible, so as not to impede relaxation. Furthermore, a portion of the arm cover 100 which is higher than the upper end of the elbow part 102 (specifically, a portion extending from the upper end of the elbow part 102 to the insertion opening 112) preferably has a constrictive force which is weaker than that of the forearm part 103.

For this reason, the insertion opening part 111 is, for example, preferably knitted with use of moss stitching. However, the insertion opening part 111 may be knitted via another method, provided that the constrictive force of the insertion opening part 111 is gentle. For example, the insertion opening part 111 may be knitted with use of sinker-borne knitting.

Variation

In the present embodiment, the arm cover 100 has a length so as to at least partially cover the upper half of the upper arm, as described above. However, the length need only be sufficient to cover the entirety of the elbow. The arm cover 100 may have a length so as to cover a region extending from the digits to a position above the elbow. However, covering a larger area of the upper limb (arm) makes it easier to provide a feeling of warmth. As such, designing the arm cover 100 to have a length so as to at least partially cover the upper half of the upper arm makes it easier to achieve an effect of quickly ameliorating coldness.

Furthermore, although not illustrated, the arm cover 100 may include a structure that presses or stimulates an acupuncture point effective for ameliorating coldness.

Discussed in the present embodiment is an example in which the digital part 106 covers a region extending from the tip of the hand to the third joints of the hand, excluding the thumb. Note, however, that the digital part 106 may be configured to also cover a region extending from the tip of the hand to the third joints of the hand including the thumb, by e.g. forming the digital part 106 in a curved manner.

Embodiment 4

The following description will discuss another embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIG. 9. For convenience, any member having the same function as a member described in Embodiment 3 will be assigned the same reference number, and explanation thereof will be omitted. It should be understood that variations similar to those of Embodiment 3 are also possible for the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates external appearances of main parts of an arm cover 100 in accordance with the present embodiment. The view indicated by number 1031 in FIG. 9 illustrates the arm cover 100 of the present embodiment in a state where an exposure opening 162 is closed by overlapping and folding down portions of an opening-including part 161 that form edges of the exposure opening 162. The view indicated by number 1032 in FIG. 9 illustrates the arm cover 100 of the present embodiment in a state where the digits are partially exposed by folding back a portion of the digital part 106 (a portion further to a digit side than is the exposure opening 162).

As with the sock 10, in the arm cover 100, the heat release part may be an opening via which the digits can be exposed. As such, the arm cover 100 may have heat release part which is an opening via which the digits can be exposed. Instead of being configured to include a mesh part as the heat release part 151 of the main hand part 105, the arm cover 100 illustrated in FIG. 9 is configured such that the digital part 106 includes an opening-including part 161 which has a heat release part in the form of the exposure opening 162 via which the digits can be exposed. Aside from this difference, the arm cover 100 of the present embodiment is the same as the arm cover 100 of Embodiment 3. In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, the exposure opening 162 is provided on a dorsal side (upper surface side) of the digital part 106.

The digital part 106 of the arm cover 100 illustrated in FIG. 9 covers at least a lower surface at the third joints of the digits (fingers) excluding the thumb. The exposure opening 162 may have any size as long as it allows for at least partial exposure of the digits. However, the exposure opening 162 is preferably large enough that the digits can be passed through the exposure opening 162 when the digital part 106 is pulled down. “At least partial exposure of the digits” means specifically that at least a portion of the plurality of fingers is exposed. Furthermore, in a case where the digital part 106 is pulled down so as to pass the digits through the exposure opening 162, it is not necessary that all five fingers are completely exposed via the exposure opening 162. However, the size of the exposure opening 162 is preferably such that a portion (tips) of all five fingers can pass through the exposure opening 162.

In the present embodiment, the exposure opening 162 of the opening-including part 161 is preferably further to a tip side (digit side) that are the third joints of the fingers excluding the thumb, such that the digital part 106 covers at least the third joints of the hand (digits) except for the thumb. This enables efficient exposure of the digits while still maintaining a minimum level of the heat-retaining property.

The exposure opening 162 is preferably has a position and shape such that during an initial stage of wearing the arm cover 100 (that is, a time period from when the wearer is in bed until when the wearer intentionally exposes the digits), the digits will not be unintentionally exposed by e.g. slight friction with bedding.

In a case where the clothing article is armwear such as the arm cover 100 as described above, the exposure opening 162 being provided on the dorsal side (upper surface side) of the digital part 106 makes it easy to expose the digital part 106 (to remove a portion of the arm cover 100 with the hand(s)). Providing the exposure opening 162 to the digital part 106 in this manner makes it possible to remove the arm cover 100 partially at the digital part 106 and to expose a portion of the digits by sticking that portion out from the exposure opening 162.

FIG. 10 is a development view of the knitted fabric of the arm cover 100 illustrated in FIG. 9.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the arm cover 100 of the present embodiment is for example knitted, with use of a circular knitting machine, in the form a tube-like shape extending continuously from the insertion opening 112 to the exposure opening 162 (i.e., to the end of the opening-including part 161).

The present embodiment involves an example in which the above-elbow part 101, the elbow part 102, the forearm part 103, the wrist part 104, the main hand part 105, and the digital part 106 each have a plain stitched knitted structure. The knitted structure of the opening-including part 161 of the digital part 106 is plain stitched with rubber incorporated therein. Furthermore, the elbow part 102, which is a knitted fabric increase region, is structured to have gore lines GL in a V shape.

As described in Embodiment 3, warming the inner side of the wrist makes it possible to quickly warm e.g. the fingertips. As such, in the present embodiment, for the purposes of efficiency of production and to avoid an increase in cost, the wrist part 104 is configured to be a heat-retaining part which (i) has a substantially straight tube-like shape without gore lines GL as with the forearm part 103 and the main hand part 105, and (ii) is in the form of a loop, as in Embodiment 3.

As in Embodiment 3, the circular knitting machine preferably has a cylinder diameter which is larger than a cylinder diameter typically used in a circular knitting machine when knitting arm covers (typically used diameter: 3.75 inches to 4.0 inches). Setting the cylinder diameter of the circular knitting machine to be greater than 4.0 inches provides the arm cover 100 with a gentle hold and stretchability. As such, in the present embodiment, the circular knitting machine used had a cylinder diameter of 5.0 inches. This made it possible to obtain an arm cover 100 having a loose-fitting fabric that does not impede relaxation. As a result, it was possible to achieve an arm cover 100 that is comfortable when worn and which does not inhibit sleep.

The material of the face yarn is as described in Embodiment 3, and the material of the back yarn is not particularly limited. However, in the present embodiment, in order to facilitate digit exposure at bedtime, it is preferable to use, as the back yarn of the digital part 106, yarn (e.g. wooly nylon) which has lower elasticity and a weaker constrictive force as compared to other regions. Note however that the present embodiment is not limited to this. The digital part 106 may use, as a back yarn, FTY which has a typical constrictive force.

As in Embodiment 3, in the present embodiment, the knitting thread of the heat-retaining parts was a 30 count single spun yarn which was a blend of acrylate-based fibers (50 weight %) and polyester (50 weight %). The back yarn of the heat-retaining parts other than the digital part 106 was 30/150 FTY. The back yarn of the heat-retaining part of the digital part 106 was wooly nylon, as described above. For parts other than the heat-retaining parts, the knitting thread was a 10 count single spun yarn made of cotton (100 weight %), and the back yarn was 30/75 FTY. The arm cover 100 of the present embodiment is made with a cylinder whose diameter is 5.0 inches and therefore has a gentle fit. A knitting machine having 84 needles was used in accordance with the count of the face yarn, but, as with the sock 10, the number of needles may be selected as appropriate. For example, in a case where a 30 count single yarn is used as the face yarn, a knitting machine having 208 needles may be used. The present embodiment is not, however, limited to the above configuration. Variations similar to those of Embodiment 1 are also possible for the present embodiment.

Discussed in the present embodiment is an example in which the digital part 106 covers at least the lower surface of the third joints of the digits (fingers) excluding the thumb. Note, however, the digital part 106 may cover at the upper surface, the lower surface, or both the upper and lower surface at the third joints of the hand (digits) excluding the thumb.

Variation 1

FIG. 11 illustrates external appearances of main parts of an arm cover 100 in accordance with the present variation. FIG. 12 is a development view of the knitted fabric of the arm cover 100 illustrated in FIG. 11.

The arm cover 100 illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 is configured such that (i) the digital part 106 includes a finger pouch part 163 into which the thumb is to be inserted and (ii) the tip of the digital part 106 (at an end away from the main hand part 105) is formed in a bag-like manner so as to wrap around the entirety of the digits excluding the thumb. Aside from this difference, the arm cover 100 illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 is the same as the arm cover 100 illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. The third joints of fingers excluding the thumb are positioned further to a tip side (digit side) of the hand than is the third joint of the thumb. As such, in the present variation, the digital part 106 includes a finger pouch part 163 into which the thumb is to be inserted. This makes it easy to expose a portion of the digits (a portion of fingers excluding the thumb) via the exposure opening 162 in a state where the third joints of each of the fingers are covered.

Because the arm cover 100 has the finger pouch part 163 into which the thumb is to be inserted, it is possible to move the finger pouch part 163 independently of the other portions of the digital part 106 when the thumb is inside the finger pouch part 163. As such, it is possible to e.g. shift the position of the exposure opening 162 or pull up bedding without exposing the thumb.

Furthermore, because the arm cover 100 includes the finger pouch part 163 into which the thumb is to be inserted, it is possible to prevent or reduce shifting of the arm cover 100 caused by moving the hand.

In the present variation, the elbow part 102, which is a knitted fabric increase region, has gore lines GL in a V shape. The finger pouch part 163 of the digital part 106, which is also a knitted fabric increase region, has gore lines GL in a V shape so as to wrap around the thumb. Note however that the present variation is not limited to this. Each of the heat-retaining parts may have gore lines GL in a Y shape or a multi-branched shape. Alternatively, each of the heat-retaining parts may have a gore line GL which is straight and long. Furthermore, in the present variation, it is possible to insert yarn having a high heat-retaining property only into portions corresponding to the heat-retaining parts.

Variation 2

Discussed in embodiments 3 and 4 were examples in which the arm cover 100 was knitted. However, as with the sock 10, instead of being knitted, the arm cover 100 may be produced by sewing of fabric. Alternatively, as with the sock 10, in the arm cover 100, the heat-retaining parts (for example, the elbow part 102, wrist part 104, and digital part 106) and parts other than the heat-retaining parts may be knitted with the same knitting thread (this configuration not illustrated). In such a case, a configuration may be employed in which, for example, (i) in only the heat-retaining parts, a heat-retaining sheet similar to the above-described heat-retaining sheet 9 is affixed on a skin-facing side, or (ii) only the heat-retaining parts include a pouch section (not illustrated) in which a heat-retaining material is to be placed.

Discussed in the present embodiment is an example in which the armwear is an arm cover (long glove). Note that, as with the legwear, the armwear is not limited to being an article whose entirety is continuously knitted as described above. For example, the armwear may be a clothing article that warms only the elbow, the wrist, and the digits.

Aspects of the present invention can also be expressed as follows:

A clothing article in accordance with Aspect 1 of the present disclosure is a clothing article that at least partially covers at least one selected from among (i) a lower limb and (ii) an upper limb, including: a plurality of heat-retaining parts having a higher heat-retaining property than other parts of the clothing article, the plurality of heat-retaining parts including at least one of the following groups: (i) a knee part, a heel part, and a digital part for a lower limb; and (ii) a wrist part, an elbow part, and a digital part for an upper limb, a heat release part being provided to (i) at least one digital part, among the digital part for the lower limb and the digital part for the upper limb, which at least one digital part is included in the clothing article or (ii) a part adjacent to the at least one digital part, the heat release part having greater breathability than other parts of the clothing article.

In Aspect 2 of the present disclosure, the clothing article of Aspect 1 may be configured such that the heat release part is a mesh part in the form of mesh.

In Aspect 3 of the present disclosure, the clothing article of Aspect 1 or 2 may be configured such that: the entirety of the clothing article has elasticity; and the heat release part is provided in the form of a loop adjacent to the at least one digital part.

In Aspect 4 of the present disclosure, the clothing article of Aspect 1 may be configured such that the heat release part is provided to the at least one digital part in the form of an opening via which the digits covered by the at least one digital part can be at least partially exposed.

In Aspect 5 of the present disclosure, the clothing article of Aspect 4 may be configured such that: each of the digital parts is made of a fabric that is thicker and less elastic than fabric of other heat-retaining parts; and the opening in the at least one digital part is provided on a dorsal side.

In Aspect 6 of the present disclosure, the clothing article of any one of Aspects 1 to 5 may be configured such that: each of the plurality of heat-retaining parts is knitted with a respective knitting thread including at least one type of material; and for each of the plurality of heat-retaining parts, a sum of heat-retention values W of each of the at least one type of material contained in the respective knitting thread with which that heat-retaining part is knitted falls in a range of not less than 12.5 to not more than 50.0, where each heat-retention value W is a value obtained by multiplying (i) official moisture regain of a material contained in a knitting thread with which a heat-retaining part is knitted by (ii) the content ratio of that material in the knitting thread, where a content ratio of 1.0 expresses that the material constitutes 100% of that knitting thread.

In Aspect 7 of the present disclosure, the clothing article of Aspect 6 may be configured such that: for each of the plurality of heat-retaining parts, a sum of the heat-retention values W of each of the at least one type of material contained in the respective knitting thread with which that heat-retaining part is knitted falls in a range of not less than 25.0 to not more than 50.0.

In Aspect 8 of the present disclosure, the clothing article of Aspect 6 or 7 may be configured such that: each part of the clothing article other than the plurality of heat-retaining parts is knitted with a respective knitting thread including at least one type of material; and for each of the parts of the clothing article other than the plurality of heat-retaining parts, a sum of heat-retention values W of each of the at least one type of material contained in the respective knitting thread with which that part is knitted is less than 12.5.

In Aspect 9 of the present disclosure, the clothing article of any one of Aspects 1 to 8 may be configured such that: the clothing article is legwear that covers at least a knee, a heel, and digits of the lower limb or armwear that covers at least an elbow and digits of the upper limb; the clothing article is knitted with a circular knitting machine in a continuous manner from (i) an opening through which the lower limb or the upper limb is inserted to (ii) the digital part for the lower limb or the digital part for the upper limb; and each of the plurality of heat-retaining parts is knitted with a respective knitting thread containing fibers having a moisture-absorbing and heat-generating property.

In Aspect 10 of the present disclosure, the clothing article of Aspect 9 may be configured such that: the fibers having the moisture-absorbing and heat-generating property are acrylate-based fibers; the acrylate-based fibers constitute not less than 25% of each of the knitting threads used for the plurality of heat-retaining parts; and each of the plurality of heat-retaining parts is knitted with the same knitting thread.

In Aspect 11 of the present disclosure, the clothing article of any one of Aspects 1 to 10 may be configured such that each of the plurality of heat-retaining parts is knitted with a knitting thread containing acrylate-based fibers that have an official moisture regain of not less than 35%.

In Aspect 12 of the present disclosure, the clothing article of any one of Aspects 1 to 10 may be configured such that each of the plurality of heat-retaining parts is knitted with a knitting thread containing acrylate-based fibers that have an official moisture regain of not less than 50%.

In Aspect 13 of the present disclosure, the clothing article of any one of Aspects 1 to 12 may be configured such that: the clothing article is a knitted clothing article; and the plurality of heat-retaining parts have knitted fabric increase regions which are knitted with use of reciprocating rotation so as to wrap around a curved surface.

In Aspect 14 of the present disclosure, the clothing article of Aspect 13 may be configured such that each knitted fabric increase region is provided by forming gore lines in a V shape.

In Aspect 15 of the present disclosure, the clothing article of any one of Aspects 1 to 14 may be configured such that: the clothing article is legwear including a shin part and having a length so as to extend from the digits of the lower limb to a part of the thigh; the plurality of heat-retaining parts include the knee part, the heel part, and the digital part for the lower limb; and a part of the clothing article which is higher than an upper end of the knee part has a constrictive force that is weaker than a constrictive force of the shin part.

In Aspect 16 of the present disclosure, the clothing article of any one of Aspects 1 to 14 may be configured such that: the clothing article is armwear having a length so as to extend from the digits of the upper limb to a part of the upper arm; and the plurality of heat-retaining parts include the elbow part, the wrist part, and the digital part for the upper limb.

In Aspect 17 of the present disclosure, the clothing article of Aspect 16 may be configured such that the digital part for the upper limb includes a finger pouch part into which the thumb is to be inserted.

In Aspect 18 of the present disclosure, the clothing article of any one of Aspects 1 to 17 may be knitted with use of a circular knitting machine having a cylinder diameter of 5.0 inches.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments, but can be altered by a skilled person in the art within the scope of the claims. The present invention also encompasses, in its technical scope, any embodiment derived by combining technical means disclosed in differing embodiments. Further, it is possible to form a new technical feature by combining the technical means disclosed in the respective embodiments.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   -   1: Above-knee part     -   2: Knee part     -   3: Shin part     -   4: Heel part     -   5: Foot part     -   51, 151: Heat release part     -   6, 106: Digital part     -   10: Sock     -   11: Insertion opening part     -   12: Insertion opening (opening)     -   61, 161: Opening-including part     -   62, 162: Exposure opening (opening)     -   163: Finger pouch part     -   100: Arm cover     -   101: Above-elbow part     -   102: Elbow part     -   103: Forearm part     -   104: Wrist part     -   105: Main hand part     -   111: Insertion opening part     -   112: Insertion opening (opening)     -   GL: Gore line 

1. A clothing article that at least partially covers at least one selected from among (i) a lower limb and (ii) an upper limb, comprising: a plurality of heat-retaining parts having a higher heat-retaining property than other parts of the clothing article, the plurality of heat-retaining parts including at least one of the following groups: (i) a knee part, a heel part, and a digital part for a lower limb; and (ii) a wrist part, an elbow part, and a digital part for an upper limb, a heat release part being provided to (i) at least one digital part, among the digital part for the lower limb and the digital part for the upper limb, which at least one digital part is included in the clothing article or (ii) a part adjacent to the at least one digital part, the heat release part having greater breathability than other parts of the clothing article.
 2. The clothing article according to claim 1, wherein the heat release part is a mesh part in the form of mesh.
 3. The clothing article according to claim 1, wherein: the entirety of the clothing article has elasticity; and the heat release part is provided in the form of a loop adjacent to the at least one digital part.
 4. The clothing article according to claim 1, wherein the heat release part is provided to the at least one digital part in the form of an opening via which the digits covered by the at least one digital part can be at least partially exposed.
 5. The clothing article according to claim 4, wherein: each of the digital parts is made of a fabric that is thicker and less elastic than fabric of other heat-retaining parts; and the opening in the at least one digital part is provided on a dorsal side.
 6. The clothing article according to claim 1, wherein: each of the plurality of heat-retaining parts is knitted with a respective knitting thread including at least one type of material; and for each of the plurality of heat-retaining parts, a sum of heat-retention values W of each of the at least one type of material contained in the respective knitting thread with which that heat-retaining part is knitted falls in a range of not less than 12.5 to not more than 50.0, where each heat-retention value W is a value obtained by multiplying (i) official moisture regain of a material contained in a knitting thread with which a heat-retaining part is knitted by (ii) the content ratio of that material in the knitting thread, where a content ratio of 1.0 expresses that the material constitutes 100% of that knitting thread.
 7. The clothing article according to claim 6, wherein: for each of the plurality of heat-retaining parts, a sum of the heat-retention values W of each of the at least one type of material contained in the respective knitting thread with which that heat-retaining part is knitted falls in a range of not less than 25.0 to not more than 50.0.
 8. The clothing article according to claim 6, wherein: each part of the clothing article other than the plurality of heat-retaining parts is knitted with a respective knitting thread including at least one type of material; and for each of the parts of the clothing article other than the plurality of heat-retaining parts, a sum of heat-retention values W of each of the at least one type of material contained in the respective knitting thread with which that part is knitted is less than 12.5.
 9. The clothing article according to claim 1, wherein: the clothing article is legwear that covers at least a knee, a heel, and digits of the lower limb or armwear that covers at least an elbow and digits of the upper limb; the clothing article is knitted with a circular knitting machine in a continuous manner from (i) an opening through which the lower limb or the upper limb is inserted to (ii) the digital part for the lower limb or the digital part for the upper limb; and each of the plurality of heat-retaining parts is knitted with a respective knitting thread containing fibers having a moisture-absorbing and heat-generating property.
 10. The clothing article according to claim 9, wherein: the fibers having the moisture-absorbing and heat-generating property are acrylate-based fibers; the acrylate-based fibers constitute not less than 25% of each of the knitting threads used for the plurality of heat-retaining parts; and each of the plurality of heat-retaining parts is knitted with the same knitting thread.
 11. The clothing article according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of heat-retaining parts is knitted with a knitting thread containing acrylate-based fibers that have an official moisture regain of not less than 35%.
 12. The clothing article according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of heat-retaining parts is knitted with a knitting thread containing acrylate-based fibers that have an official moisture regain of not less than 50%.
 13. The clothing article according to claim 1, wherein: the clothing article is a knitted clothing article; and the plurality of heat-retaining parts have knitted fabric increase regions which are knitted with use of reciprocating rotation so as to wrap around a curved surface.
 14. The clothing article according to claim 13, wherein each knitted fabric increase region is provided by forming gore lines in a V shape.
 15. The clothing article according to claim 1, wherein: the clothing article is legwear including a shin part and having a length so as to extend from the digits of the lower limb to a part of the thigh; the plurality of heat-retaining parts include the knee part, the heel part, and the digital part for the lower limb; and a part of the clothing article which is higher than an upper end of the knee part has a constrictive force that is weaker than a constrictive force of the shin part.
 16. The clothing article according to claim 1, wherein: the clothing article is armwear having a length so as to extend from the digits of the upper limb to a part of the upper arm; and the plurality of heat-retaining parts include the elbow part, the wrist part, and the digital part for the upper limb.
 17. The clothing article according to claim 16, wherein the digital part for the upper limb includes a finger pouch part into which the thumb is to be inserted.
 18. The clothing article according to claim 1, wherein the clothing article is knitted with use of a circular knitting machine having a cylinder diameter of 5.0 inches. 